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Ski touring in Japan is different. The group I'm with used the Fukiage Hot Spring as a base. The hot springs have three areas of outdoor pools. A mens, a womens and a coed. No swimsuits allowed in the gender separated areas, swimsuits required in the coed. We toured directly above the springs the first day. The weather was exceptional and we reached a minor summit(Sandanyama) in perfect conditions. The group has come here several years -- and usually don't go to the top because of wind and clouds.

By mid-afternoon we were back at the hot springs soaking and relaxing.

The evening meal was a party of special sushi and sake and much laughing -- since I only know six Japanese words -- I didn't get the jokes they were telling, but it was still a fun party.

We toured the second day toward another peak (Mount Furano) but weather conditions were windy and cloudy and once we got above timberline the snow was sastrugi and ice. So we headed back for another soak in the hot springs.

The hot springs facility provides dorm style japanese bunks (wooden bunk, 1 inch thick futon) and a shared kitchen as well as access to the hot springs for $2750 yen ($24 USD) per night. What a deal! At least if you can speak Japanese and are familiar with their customs or have a guide. Staff doesn't speak English and signs are all in Japanese. I'mean lucky to have YoYo as a guide, otherwise I'd be an ugly American tourist.